PBBM tells Filipinos: Confront corruption, expose deceit

President Marcos marked National Heroes Day with a call for Filipinos to confront corruption and deceit, stressing the duty to prepare the next generation to defend the country's freedom.

- BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS, MARTIN SADONGDONG, and ELLSON QUISMORIO

In his speech during the National Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Aug. 25, the President warned that failing to guide the youth weakens the nation's future.

"Kung hindi natin maihahanda ang kabataan sa pagtatanggol sa ating kalayaan, ipinagkakanulo natin hindi lamang ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani, kundi pati na rin ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa (If we cannot prepare the youth to defend our freedom, we betray not only the sacrifices of our heroes, but also the future of our nation)," he said.

At the same time, Marcos warned against selfishness and corruption, saying these rob the nation not only of resources but also of the dreams and future of generations to come.

"Bilang Pilipino, may pananagutan tayo sa ating bansa na maging mas mapanuri sa mga mali, na isiwalat ang panloloko, at panindigan ang alam nating tama, kahit hindi ito madali (As Filipinos, we have a responsibility to be more discerning of wrongdoings, to expose deceit, and to stand by what we know is right, even when it is difficult)," he said.

"Dahil hindi lamang salapi ang kanilang ninanakaw, kundi pati ang kalusugan, pangarap, at kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon na Pilipino (Because they do not only steal money, but also the health, dreams, and future of the next generation of Filipinos)," he added.

With this, the President pledged that his administration would not abandon Filipinos and vowed to hold corrupt officials accountable.

"Hindi namin kayo iiwan. Pananagutin namin ang lahat ng sangkot sa anomalya at katiwalian (We will not leave you behind. We will hold accountable all those involved in anomalies and corruption)," he said.

"Ilalabas natin ang buo at pawang katotohanan (We will reveal the whole truth)," he added.